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Comparing Pelagius Epistle To Demetrias

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Free will is the ability of an individual to make choices and act without being controlled by fate or god; this issue has been a topic of debate that has been argued by philosophers from varying societies throughout history. Two philosophers in specific, Pelagius and Skinner, argued opposing views regarding the topic of free will. With Skinner arguing against the freedom of will in “A Technology of Behavior”, whilst Pelagius defends free will and provides examples to support his claims in “Pelagius: Epistle to Demetrias”. This essay will summarize both philosophers’ opinions on the subject of free will as well as give my personal opinion as to which side I agree with.
Philosopher B.F. Skinner begins his argument by stating that the world is plagued with terrifying problems, and that naturally man turns towards his two strengths, science and technology to solve problems such as population explosion, nuclear Holocaust, world famine, etc.; however, this is where the trouble lies. Man attempts to solve problems such as a population explosion by looking for better methods of birth control, but in Skinner’s words “things grow steadily worse, and it is disheartening to find that technology itself …show more content…

He believes that “god has implemented in every person the capacity to attain the very highest level of virtue (Pelagius 1). However, man’s virtue cannot grow alone, man needs companions to guide them towards their path. The absence of such companion leaves man likely to stray from the firm path, and lead man into the “mud of despair”. A companion of high virtue may seem to differ from oneself, but as the friendships grows one begins to see oneself in the companion. Because as Pelagius believes “God has created us all the same: we are each capable of achieving the same degree of moral goodness” (Pelagius 1). And it is when man perceives this truth they are filled with the hope they may share the moral virtue of

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